TEMPORARY CONTRACT ATTORNEY – LOW-INCOME TAXPAYER CLINIC JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Houston Volunteer Lawyers is seeking a temporary contract attorney for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program. The term of this contract is 3-5 months. This position is an independent contractor and not an employee of HVL.

The LITC program ensures the fairness and integrity of the tax system by providing free legal representation to low-income taxpayers in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), conducting outreach and education to low-income taxpayers about their rights and responsibilities, and by identifying and advocating for issues that impact low-income taxpayers. The LITC program receives its funding, in part, from a grant from the Internal Revenue Service.

HVL seeks a skilled and motivated attorney dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to the low-income community by working alongside volunteer attorneys focusing on tax disputes with the IRS. Houston Volunteer Lawyers assists with civil legal issues including family law, guardianship, estate planning, probate, veteran-specific issues, landlord/tenant disputes, homeownership, consumer issues, and bankruptcy.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Interview applicants for legal services and assess their tax issues.
  • Deliver client-centered legal services to eligible taxpayers through legal research, counsel and advice, litigation including in the U.S. Tax Court, advocacy before the IRS, and systemic advocacy on issues having an impact on low-income and ESL taxpayers.
  • Recruit, train, and provide substantive mentoring to volunteer attorneys, including troubleshooting complex legal matters.
  • Provide legal consultations to taxpayers, determining the scope of representation.
  • Analyze, investigate, and prepare client matters for referral to volunteer attorneys.
  • Maintain timely documentation of all case-related activities, and assist with grant reporting activities, in order to share the impact of HVL’s work with the legal community.
  • Efficiently manage a caseload in accordance with HVL policy.
  • Attend and assist with LegalLine advice clinics virtually and in-person.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Supervising Attorney in conjunction with the LITC Clinic Director and/or the LITC Program Office.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

  • A demonstrated commitment to public interest work and desire to provide client-centered legal assistance to a multi-cultural population.
  • Experience resolving tax controversies such as cases involving entitlements to credits and deductions, and pursuing collection remedies such as offers in compromise, installment agreements, and innocent spouse relief (preferred but not required).
  • Familiarity with the United States Tax System, such as coursework, experience with preparing tax returns, volunteering with a volunteer income tax preparation program, or reviewing tax records.
  • Experience with low-income tax credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit (preferred but not required).
  • Sufficient tax law expertise to be considered a “Qualified Tax Expert” under the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic grant (preferred by not required).
  • Strong writing, communication, organizational, and prioritization skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations with clients, volunteer attorneys, and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent training and pro bono mentorship skills.
  • Demonstrated ability and desire to work collaboratively with multiple organizations.
  • License to practice law in any US State is required, with a preference to licensure in Texas Must have credentials that permit advocacy on behalf of clients with the IRS but is not required to be admitted to the U.S. Tax Court.

Job Type: Full-time, contract up to 5 months.

Pay: Consulting rate is negotiable based on an hourly rate or monthly stipend.

License

  • Texas Bar (preferred)
  • Any US State (required)

Language:

  • Fluency or strong proficiency in a second language preferred.

To Apply: Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references via Indeed. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers is committed to equal opportunity. HVL not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other characteristics protected by law. Applicants committed to justice and equality from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and identities.